192 THE SAMOAN GROUP. [1839. 



by the other vessels belonging to the Squadron. On the 25th, 

 she sailed to Eimeo, and on the 29th pursued her course to 

 the west. Passing Bellinsdiausen's Island on her route, 

 where she stopped to make some magnetic experiments, she 

 hove in sight of Rose Island on the 7th of October, two days 

 later than the appointed time, where she found the Porpoise 

 awaiting her arrival. The Flying Fish was detained at 

 Papieti, for repairs, till the 10th of October — the Peacock re- 

 maining to bear her company — on which day both vessels 

 sailed for the place of rendezvous. 



(2.) The Samoan Group — formerly called Navigators' Is- 

 lands — is situated between latitude 13° 30' and 14° 30' S., 

 and longitude 168° and 173° W. These islands were dis- 

 covered in 1768, by the distinguished French navigator, 

 Count de Bougainville, who gave them the name which they 

 have heretofore usually borne. There are eight of the islands 

 inhabited, viz. — Manua, Oloosinga, Ofoo, Tutuila, Upolu, 

 Manono, Apolima, and Savaii — and there are several smaller 

 and uninhabited islands, among which is Rose Island, a low 

 circular coral islet, with a lagoon in the centre, nearly inun- 

 dated in high water, and covered to the very rim with tall and 

 graceful pisonias. The other small islands resemble this in 

 general formation and appearance, and are mainly situated 

 within the shore reefs of the larger islands. 



Manua is the first island west of Rose Island. It is about 

 sixteen miles in circumference, and upwards of twenty-five 

 hundred feet above the level of the sea. Its shores are high 

 and bold, — rising, in most places, precipitately, to the height 

 of three or four hundred feet. Above this the ground swells 

 gracefully, upward and inward, till it attains its greatest ele- 

 vation, like a vast dome reared above some mighty citadel. 

 It is well- wooded, and covered with rich verdure to its sum- 

 mit. Four miles northwest of Manua is Oloosinga, which 

 consists of a narrow ledge of rocks, three miles long, rising 

 abruptly from the water. The only portion of it that is pro- 

 ductive, is a narrow strip running lengthwise of the island, 

 and overspread with the mast luxuriant vegetation. Ofoo 



